Real North India

11 Days | From the Taj Mahal to the holy Ganges, see North India from a new perspective

5 out of 5 based on 16 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
EUR €551
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 35 year olds

Explore the colour, vegetarian cuisine, spirituality and natural wonders of north India on this 11-day adventure. Ride a rickshaw in Delhi, brush up on your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk and have a spiritual experience in Varanasi as you watch the sunrise over the Ganges. Snap the ultimate selfie in front of the Taj Mahal – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World, see pink in gorgeous Jaipur, join the yogis in Rishikesh and eat endless amounts of pakoras, samosas, tandoori, chicken tikka masalas and naan. On this immersive journey from cities to mountain campgrounds, you won't just see north India, you'll experience it.

Trip overview

Map of Real North India including India
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
India
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
HHYV
This trip generates 51 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Capture your best selfie in front of the Taj Mahal – this marble masterpiece and the mother of all mausoleums is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and India’s main icon.
  • Get among the relaxing vibes of Rishikesh with a morning yoga class, then sleep under the starry Indian sky surrounded by nature and gorgeous natural views.
  • Watch the sunrise on the holy Ganges River in Varanasi for a truly spiritual experience. This is the country’s oldest spiritual city and is known for the Hindu pilgrims who journey to cleanse their sins in the holy water.
  • Explore the ornately pink-hued buildings in photogenic Jaipur – known as the Pink City – and if the sky is calling, opt to see the city from a different perspective with a morning hot air balloon ride.
  • Navigate through the busy, bustling and bold streets of Delhi with an expert leader who knows all the good spots (ask them where to grab the best chana masala).
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is for independent travellers, so there’s plenty of free time built into the itinerary for you to explore at your own pace at each destination. Please consider spending money for optional sightseeing that isn't included in the trip cost when budgeting for your journey.
  • The regions visited on this trip can be extreme in temperature. It’s essential to prepare for hot temperatures during the day and cooler climates in the evening. Rajasthan in particular can be very hot, especially in the summer. Layers are the best way to tackle any disparities in weather.
  • You’ll visit several temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
  • This trip involves some long train rides – while this can be tiresome, train travel is a classic Indian experience. Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned and a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillows and blankets provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). You may be in the same carriage with locals of the same or opposite gender. For your own security, take a lock for your hand luggage. Sleeper train journeys in and out of Varanasi can be subject to lengthy delays because of weather conditions, including heavy rain or fog.

Itinerary

Map of Real North India including India

Inclusions

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Auto-rickshaw, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Public bus, Private vehicle, Overnight sleeper train, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights), Camping with basic facilities (1 night)

Activities
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Jaipur – Leader-led Walking Tour
  • Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind)
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
  • Rishikesh - Yoga class
Add on activities
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
  • Agra - Agra Fort - INR650
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
  • Jaipur - City Palace - INR800
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
  • Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram' - INR1200
  • Rishikesh - White Water Rafting - INR1500

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2, 4 and 9 (overnight Sleeper train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate from 1st September to 30th April and last approximately 60mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your welcome meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP only and is USD$280pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 16 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Zara · Traveled November 2023
AMAZING!! I could not recommend more. This trip blew my mind at every stop and I learnt so much. Rishikesh is a MUST do- it was my favourite spot over all and a perfect end to the trip- so relaxing and adventurous and nice to breathe some fresh air. Swam in a waterfall and ate the best food. Do it!
Review submitted 02 Dec 2023

Courtney · Traveled October 2023
This is a great tour to get to know some of the highlights of India. Felt safe the entire time with Harsh - would absolutely recommend and do again!
Review submitted 19 Oct 2023

Emily · Traveled June 2023
Amazing trip around north India, always on the move and got so much done in such a short time!
Review submitted 24 Jun 2023

Freya · Traveled April 2023
Had a wonderful, jam packed time in India on this trip. There's a lot to see and long journeys between each place but a great snapshot of India if you have limited time. Varsha, our guide was amazing and really brought the trip to life with her knowledge and insight.
Review submitted 22 Apr 2023

Lucy · Traveled April 2023
The best travel experience I've ever had! Our leader Varsha was incredible and it was a privilege to explore the beauty and, at times, chaos of this amazing country. I'd recommend this trip to everyone!
Review submitted 17 Apr 2023
Real North India
From
EUR €551